Quinn Hughes won't join Team USA

Quinn Hughes isn't meeting up with the United States squad after all.

Team USA was informed that the Vancouver Canucks defenseman wasn't medically cleared ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada, Hughes' agent, Pat Brisson, told TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan said Tuesday morning that "Quinn Hughes is coming" in the wake of Charlie McAvoy's injury. Hughes was only able to play if another player got hurt or became ill.

The reigning Norris Trophy winner then practiced with the Canucks later in the day, acknowledged the U.S. still had the required minimum of six defensemen, and said "the rules are the rules."

Team USA tabbed Hughes as one of its first six players selected to the squad in June, but he withdrew just days before the tournament began due to injury. The Orlando-born blue-liner missed four games leading up to the break.

Hughes leads all NHL defensemen in points per game (1.26) and assists (45) in 47 games this season. His 59 points top the Canucks and are 24 more than forward Brock Boeser.